SA U16 team defeated by Victoria Metro in Game 3

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia has succumbed to Victoria Metro by 57 points in Game 3 of its Marsh AFL U16 National Championships campaign at Fankhauser Reserve.

Coming off a stirring five-point win against Victoria Country in Game 2 on Tuesday, the Croweaters were unable to control the slick Metro outfit as it handled the damp conditions in impressive fashion.

SA trailed at every change and after being down by just 10 points at quarter-time, the Metro boys made their move in the second stanza as they piled on 6.2 to SA’s 1.2 to lead by 40 points at half-time.

Croweaters key forward Josh Jarrad provided a spark early in the third term when he booted three goals in succession within six minutes to peg the margin back.

But Vic Metro had all the answers as it eased its advantage back out to 53 points by three quarter-time.

SA ruck Hugo Semmler was recognised as the Croweaters’ best in Game 3 and MVP of the tournament after thriving on winning the ball at the stoppages and around the ground.

Nippy SA rover Laurence Andriani again had an influence after a solid game against Victoria Country while Zane Rooney, SA’s only bottom-ager player, will take plenty of experience into next year’s carnival.

SA captain Harvey Chapman was again a steady pillar in defence with his intercept marking and spoiling.

SA finished with a 1-2 win-loss record, with its win against Victoria Country in Game 2 sandwiched by defeats to Western Australia in Game 1 and Victoria Metro in Game 3.

Victoria Metro  3.6  9.8  14.10  17.13 (115)

South Australia  2.2  3.4  6.5   8.10 (58) 

BEST – SA: Hugo Semmler, Laurence Andriani, Zane Rooney, Kai Ivins, Harvey Chapman, Josh Jarrad.

GOALS – SA: Josh Jarrad 3, Carter Gallasch, Archie Simpson 2, Kai Ivins.

SA U16 MVP – Hugo Semmler (Central District)

At Peoples First Stadium, Gold Coast